Chicago Textile Recycling

08/28/2026

Looking for style inspiration and upcycling ideas? Check out Chicago local J'en who fills her YouTube page with fun and creative video tutorials and more on how to restyle yourself, especially geared toward women over 40.

Hi, I’m J’en—a Chicago-based upcycler, stylist, and sewing educator helping women 40+ elevate their style without constantly buying new clothes. If you’ve ever looked at your closet and thought “I have nothing to wear”—this channel is for you. I show you how to: • Restyle and remix w...

08/25/2026

hildren's Books Series

We love educating readers and their families about textile recycling.

3 - Where did my clothes come from? by Chris Butterworth

This book talks about the factories, farms and forests where your clothes come from.

08/19/2026

Children's Books Series

We love educating readers and their families about textile recycling.

2 - Jordan and the Magic Cape by Make Change Studios

This book is about a child's damaged cape that she refuses to throw away, insisting on going on more adventures wearing it.

08/17/2026

Have you ever been interested in learning to sew or upcycle thrifted items? Chicago local upcycler Anastasia Chatzka has a studio where you learn to do that. She also has a large library of video tutorials on YouTube. Check out her page!

Anastasia's been sewing over 25 years and loves it sew much. She's an enthusiastic sewing teacher that spreads joy and knowledge to all her students, a YouTuber that's made 100s of sewing tutorial videos with millions of views. A Brand Ambassador for Husqvarna Viking sewing machines and runs an onli...

08/14/2026

Reju, a company focused on textile-to-textile material regeneration has recently opened a Research and Development location in the U.S. to further the field of textile recycling technologies. Read more here:

Reju, a company specializing in textile-to-textile material regeneration, has officially launched its first dedicated Research & Development (R&D) Center in the United States.

08/11/2026

Children's Books Series

In honor of the school year beginning, we would love to share kids' book ideas about textile recycling.

1 - New Old Shoes by Charlotte Blessing

A book about the life of a pair of shoes bought new and then donated and sold used overseas.

08/07/2026

It's almost time for back to School! As you Shop for clothes for your growing kids, remember to recycle all those textiles that no longer fit with us.

08/04/2026

Could the narrative about textile waste shipped to Africa be wrong? Long held belief that over 40% of used textiles being trash has been debunked through further investigation. Read more here:

A field investigation in Ghana found little evidence of large-scale accumulations of imported textile waste at locations frequently cited in public debate. The findings raise broader questions about how evidence is shaping textile policy, trade regulation and reuse systems.

07/31/2026

Looking for a one of a kind vintage piece to add to your wardrobe? Detroit native Haley runs Fashion Rework, turning quilts, sheets and more into unique upcycle pieces.

https://fashionrework.com/



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z7nLV6A6jNU

Meet upcycling artisan, Haley Byrd-Locey, founder of Fashion Rework...

07/29/2026

Please join us in wishing a very Happy Birthday to our fearless leader Justin.